Hawai'i Big Island: Environmental Conservation, Cultural Preservation & Snorkeling

This trip was very influential to me and has taught me so many things. Learning more about sustainability has changed my entire outlook on life and how I've previously been trying to help the earth be healthier. I would recommend this trip to literally anyone! I think if you're new to traveling Hawaii would be a great trip to start out with because it is still in the United States and a very fun trip. Getting to experience Hawaii not in the eyes of a tourist but as a traveler there to help it was definitely more influential than a normally trip to Hawaii would be.

My experience with GIVE was truly rewarding and shifted the way I see tourism vs traveling with intention and reciprocal efforts to support the local community. Through the immersive learning environment I gained an authentic perspective of Hawaii debunking myths, and bearing witness to the stories, practices, and species that surpass the colonized lens. This cultural knowledge enhanced my experience as the connection to the Earth and people illuminated the value of taking responsibility of tending to the land with pride. I have traveled in my life, but I can honestly say that this was the most meaningful, adventure packed, learning abundant, and compassion filled experiential journey, and It has empowered me to fight and take responsibility to support my hometown community. GIVE volunteer programs deserve 6/5 stars, I genuinely cant thank them enough for being a huge factor in fighting for a more beautiful world and planting seeds that you and I get to nurture into roots of change. Mahalo!

Hi, I was 16 when I did this trip and it has stuck with me for over a year now. Every waking minute I go through my head about the best 11 days of my life. Being so young there were some fears that I knew would occur but the people and place made it all more bearable. 11 days was too short. I wanted to stay with my lifelong friends and explore more of the beautiful island with the beautiful people of the big island. This one trip sparked a lifelong dream of travel. I will be traveling to Thailand and Laos this coming summer with Give Again and this time ill be traveling with my brother. All thanks to this one trip my life is changed for the better and forever.

GIVE gave me such an unforgettable experience that I will always cherish. I went on the Hawai’i trip and I can’t explain how lucky I was to be able to experience the beautiful culture there as well as make life long friends. Not only did I learn how important it is to travel sustainably, but l also learned the importance of preserving Hawaiian culture. Getting to hear the amazing stories and experiences from the local natives brought so much more meaning to the projects we were working on. Getting to go through this journey with such amazing, like-minded people really made this trip so memorable. Honestly this was the best decision ever and I can’t wait to go on my next GIVE trip!

Volunteering with @givevolunteers surpassed all my expectations, and each project instilled in me a sense of responsibility toward conservation efforts, sustainable practices, and preserving ancestral knowledge. My experience was incredibly transformative, and I truly felt that every step left a positive mark and introduced me to some of the most special souls on earth🤍 I have so many new friends that bring out my inner child and we have already begun planning future trips.

Above all else, the people of Hawai’i have left an indelible mark on me. Their hospitality, resilience, and commitment to their heritage amidst modern challenges is truly inspiring. When you book that trip, be mindful!! Support locals, think about the amount of waste you’re producing, and find ways to give back/honor the awe-inspiring landscapes you’re spending time in. Mahalo Hawai’i & my new GIVE family for these memories I will cherish for a lifetime! 🫶🏼🌺

This trip was truly one of the best experiences of my life. It allowed me to learn so much about the culture of hawaii and gain a new perspective of tourism. I got to learn how to be global citizen with 21 other young adults who were very much like me.The people I met along the way each impacted me in a different way that was amazing. I think everyone should take a trip like this and GIVE is such a good place to do it through. The guides that led us through the native parts of hawaii were incredible and never failed to teach us new things and make it a fun time as well. I am already looking into doing another trip and I strongly encourage you to go on one as well!

My GIVE trip to Hawai’i was unforgettable. I loved getting to meet new and like-minded people who have the same interests as me. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to volunteer with local nonprofit organizations while also getting to experience a new culture. I am thankful for the opportunity I got to learn about the unique Hawaiian agriculture while also being able to help out at local nonprofit farms. The GIVE guides made sure everyone had what they needed and let us all know what to do to make sure we acted in a respectful manner when introduced to different cultural experiences. 💚

Originally, I thought it would be just a scuba diving trip. However, I discovered a very committed travel agency that prioritized our well-being, safety, and health throughout the experience. They ensured we learned about the local culture, environment, oceans, and coral reefs.

Their island partners were fantastic as well. We learned a lot every day with Kohala Divers.

I highly recommend this program for anyone looking to step outside their comfort zone and challenge themselves. It will add so much to your life experience.